Heat Exchanger Flow Distribution Insert for Uniform Electrolysis Cooling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchangers in electrolysis processes suffer from uneven temperature distribution, leading to non-optimal electrolysis efficiency due to the temperature difference across the electrolyzing device, which can result in an uneven and inefficient cooling process.
Innovation Solution
A distribution arrangement is positioned between corrugated heat transfer plates to facilitate uniform cooling and integrated heat exchange, allowing for the distribution of fluids into and out of interspaces, thereby maintaining high process efficiency and preventing short-circuiting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a traditional plate heat exchanger is used for cooling fluids in electrolysis, then heat exchange function is provided, but uneven temperature distribution occurs across the electrolyzing device leading to non-optimal electrolysis efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is divided into multiple heating zones corresponding to different electrolysis chambers, with each zone independently controlled to provide localized temperature management. This segmentation allows each chamber to maintain optimal temperature for its specific electrolysis process, eliminating the uneven temperature distribution that occurs with traditional single-zone heat exchangers.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the heat exchanger are designed with different thermal characteristics to match the specific requirements of each electrolysis chamber. The heat transfer plates incorporate varying thermal conductivity materials or geometric patterns in different zones, enabling localized heat distribution that optimizes electrolysis efficiency in each specific area rather than applying uniform heating across the entire device.
2Power
If heat transfer plates are stacked to form flow channels, then heat exchange capability is increased, but mechanical complexity and sealing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution arrangement integrates multiple functions into a single component structure. The flow distribution channels are built into the heat transfer plates themselves, combining the heat exchange surfaces and fluid distribution pathways into one integrated element. This eliminates the need for separate distribution manifolds and reduces the number of sealing interfaces required, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining high heat exchange capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat transfer plates serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide thermal exchange surfaces, act as structural support elements, and incorporate built-in flow distribution channels. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the stack, simplifying the mechanical structure while enhancing heat exchange performance through the integrated design.
3Productivity
If fluid is fed through flow channels between heat transfer plates, then cooling function is provided, but short-circuiting may occur reducing process efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution arrangement incorporates intermediate distribution channels that act as mediators between the inlet and outlet flow paths. These intermediate channels ensure that fluid is evenly distributed across all heat exchange zones before entering the cooling channels, preventing direct short-circuiting between inlet and outlet. The built-in flow distributors create a more complex but controlled flow path that eliminates inefficient shortcuts while maintaining high cooling efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The distribution arrangement enables a more uniform cooling process, improving the efficiency and reliability of heat generating processes like electrolysis by ensuring consistent fluid distribution and preventing short-circuiting, thus maintaining high process efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The base portion comprises at least one first secondary channel which extends inside the slab. Said at least one first secondary channel connects the secondary hole and the first secondary cavity to form a first transferred secondary flow path through the base portion
Implementation Method 2
Two fluids of initially different temperatures can be fed alternately through every second flow channel for transferring heat from one fluid to the other
Implementation Method 3
A plate heat exchanger typically comprises a number of corrugated heat transfer plates arranged aligned in a stack or pack. Sealings between the heat transfer plates define parallel flow channels between the heat transfer plates
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2
AI summary
A distribution arrangement (69a, 69b, 121a, 123a, 125a, 127a) configured to be positioned between two corrugated heat transfer plates (5) is provided. The distribution arrangement (69a, 69b) comprises a base portion (71) including a slab (73) with opposing front and back surfaces (79, 81). A front surface (89) and a back surface (93) of the base portion (71) comprise at least a part of the front surface (79) and the back surface (81), respectively, of the slab (73). The base portion (71) is provided with a through secondary hole (85) which extends through the front and back surfaces (89, 93) of the base portion (71) so as to form a direct secondary flow path (DS) through the base portion (71), a non-through first secondary cavity (97) which extends through the front surface (89) of the base portion (71), and at least one first secondary channel (101) extending inside the slab (73). Said at least one first secondary channel (101) connects the secondary hole (85) and the first secondary cavity (97) to form a first transferred secondary flow path (TS1) through the base portion (71).